Colin Kaepernick and More Must-Start Fantasy QBs for Week 13

If you didn't buy into the San Francisco 49ers' newest hit under center, Colin Kaepernick, like I did, perhaps you've changed your mind after watching his performance against the New Orleans Saints on the road in Week 12.

Granted, Kap did it against the NFL's worst defense, but let's give credit where credit is due, especially if it leads you closer to winning the Shiva.

You can also look at what he did against one of the league's best defenses in the Chicago Bears, when he completed 16 of 23 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns in his first career start as a pro.

The second-year QB is proving to be a double-threat, using his arm as well as his legs to down the Bears and the Saints in his first two career starts.

Despite throwing a pick against New Orleans, Kaepernick completed 16 of 25 passes for 231 yards and a touchdown. This may seem like an average performance at best, but when you factor in his 27 yards and a touchdown on the ground, Kap's fantasy stock immediately rises.

I'd like to think Kap has himself a favorable matchup in Week 13, considering the St. Louis Rams D allowed 15 of 20 completions, 178 yards and a touchdown to arguably the league's worst quarterback in Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets in Week 11.

Against an average pass defense on Sunday, Kaepernick is your man under center.

Here are some other early must-starts at QB for Week 13 of the fantasy football season.

After watching Manning's play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night, I think it's safe to say No. 10 is back.

Manning looked more decisive and released the ball more quickly against the Pack and it showed. He tossed for 249 yards and three touchdowns, scoring 23.2 fantasy points in ESPN standard leagues.

The two-time Super Bowl MVP has a history of performing well on the big stage and that's just what he'll do on Monday Night Football against a Washington Redskins pass defense that is tied for the most touchdown passes surrendered.

Matt Ryan

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If it weren't for a fumble and an interception, Ryan would have put up roughly 19 points for his owners to go along with his 353 yards and one touchdown.

If Ryan's fantasy owners can find it in their hearts to forgive him, I think Matty Ice will bounce back against the Saints in Week 13.

New Orleans' pass D ranks third-to-last in passing yardage and has allowed 22 touchdowns through the air, making this a more than favorable fantasy matchup on Thursday night.

Cam Newton

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I'm a bit shocked here myself, considering I've benched Newton the past five weeks in favor of Josh Freeman, but I'm a man of matchups, and Newton has himself a good one in Week 13.

Cam and the Carolina Panthers will get the Kansas City Chiefs, who have allowed 22 aerial touchdowns and seven on the ground.

Newton has been playing a lot better of late, averaging 18 fantasy points over his last three starts. If he can find relative success against the Denver Broncos' defense (see Week 10), I think he'll be just fine at KC.